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1770–1850

III

William Wordsworth

Part fenced by man, part by a rugged steep That curbs a foaming brook, a Grave-yard lies; The hare's best couching-place for fearless sleep; Which moonlit elves, far seen by credulous eyes,

Enter in dance. Of church, or sabbath ties, No vestige now remains; yet thither creep Bereft Ones, and in lowly anguish weep Their prayers out to the wind and naked skies.

Proud tomb is none; but rudely-sculptured knights, By humble choice of plain old times, are seen Level with earth, among the hillocks green: Union not sad, when sunny daybreak smites

The spangled turf, and neighbouring thickets ring With jubilate from the choirs of spring!

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III · William Wordsworth · Poetry Cove